Children at daycare

873 Child Daycare & Preschools in Iowa

Browse 873 child daycare & preschools across Iowa. Find licensed daycare centers, compare options by city, and choose the best childcare for your family.

Choosing Daycare Centers in Iowa

Finding the right daycare center for your child is crucial. Understanding the landscape of childcare services in Iowa can make the decision-making process smoother.

Iowa has about 1,635 daycares providing essential child services for families in the state.

Compare the average fees charged by daycare centers in Iowa. Consider your budget while ensuring that the chosen daycare offers the necessary services and quality care.

Daycare Breakdown in Iowa

There are 1,635 daycares in Iowa: 163 headstart facilities, 444 before/after school centers, 155 religious facility daycares, and 873 childcare and preschool centers.

Childcare & Pre-school

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Headstart Programs

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Religious / Church Based Daycare

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Before or After School

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All Child Daycare & Preschools in Iowa

Showing 873 results

Carroll Area Child Care Center & Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

Carroll Area Child Care Center & Preschool receives mostly positive feedback from parents. The majority of reviews praise the caring and amazing staff, safe environment, and positive experience for children. One review provided no details for analysis.

Amazing staffgreat facilitycaring employees
Address
113 W 7th Street, Carroll, IA
Phone
(712) 792-1375
Safari Child Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4
Address
403 P Avenue, Milford, IA
Phone
(712) 338-2731
Greene County Early Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

These reviews do not pertain to the daycare center. The reviews describe a recreational/fitness facility with gym equipment, sports courts, and party rental services, not early learning childcare services.

Clean facilityvariety of fitness equipmentwalking track
Address
204 W. Madison, Jefferson, IA
Phone
(515) 386-2092
Montessori Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

Parents consistently praise Montessori Children's Center for its warm, caring staff and strong Montessori program. Families highlight excellent teacher consistency, smooth transitions to kindergarten, and a family-like atmosphere. Recent management improvements, including enhanced security measures, have further strengthened the center.

Caring and consistent staffstrong Montessori programexcellent kindergarten preparation
Address
8509 Alice Ave, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 278-4262
Grand Viewchild Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

Grand View Child Development Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the caring, trained, and knowledgeable staff who create a happy environment for children. Parents report strong relationships between staff and children, with children showing enthusiasm about attending. One negative review mentions rude staff and financial concerns.

caring and loving staffwell-trained teachersknowledgeable providers
Address
3004 E 38th St, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 262-4999
Science Center Of Iowa Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

Parents consistently praise the Science Center of Iowa Preschool as an excellent interactive learning facility for young children. The center offers diverse hands-on exhibits including LEGO activities, water play, nature displays, and space/dinosaur exhibits that engage children for hours. Staff enthusiasm, cleanliness, and value are frequently highlighted as strengths.

Interactive exhibitshands-on learning activitiesLEGO displays
Address
401 W Mlk Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 274-6868
Tlc Daycare And Learning Center Of Oskaloosa INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

TLC Daycare and Learning Center receives unanimous praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently highlight the caring and loving staff, positive learning environment, and strong emotional and educational development of their children. Multiple families report their children are happy, eager to attend daily, and develop lasting positive relationships with staff members.

caring and loving staffwelcoming environmentchildren happy and eager to attend
Address
211 North C St, Oskaloosa, IA
Phone
(641) 673-0588
The Whistle Stop Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4
Address
103 Campus Dr, Huxley, IA
Phone
(515) 597-3637
Perry Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

Perry Child Development Center receives mostly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the caring staff, clean facilities, organized environment, and educational curriculum. However, one parent reported serious concerns about staff response to a child being hit and inappropriate questioning of their child.

caring and friendly staffclean and organized facilityeducational curriculum
Address
920 18th St, Perry, IA
Phone
(515) 465-2522
New Life Center Daycare
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

Reviews praise New Life Center Daycare for its welcoming, friendly, and non-judgmental atmosphere with a focus on Christian values and community outreach. Parents highlight the center's commitment to safety, kindness, and providing comprehensive services including tutoring, meals, art classes, and planned health/dental clinics.

friendly and welcoming staffsafe environmentChristian values and love of Christ
Address
1057 23rd St, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 288-3353
La Montessori Nurtury INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

La Montessori Nurtury receives consistently positive reviews from parents, with all ratings at 5/5. Parents praise the warm, attentive staff, clean facilities, Montessori curriculum, and strong communication through daily app updates. Children showed notable developmental progress and kindergarten readiness during their time at the center.

Attentive and experienced staffclean and organized facilitiesMontessori curriculum
Address
575 N Kansas Av, North Liberty, IA
Phone
(319) 665-2565
As We Grow Childcare And Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Parents consistently praise As We Grow for its caring, engaged staff and owner Amanda who demonstrates genuine passion for the children. The facility is noted for cleanliness, varied activities, strong communication through the Brightwheel app, and a supportive environment where children thrive developmentally. Multiple reviewers highlight their children's enthusiasm about attending and positive experiences over extended periods.

Caring and friendly staffengaged ownergood communication via app with photo updates
Address
10015 Nw 61st Place, Johnston, IA
Phone
(515) 414-6458
Scott County Family Y - West
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Scott County Family Y - West receives consistently positive feedback for its clean facilities, welcoming and friendly staff, and variety of programs including fitness classes, pool access, and sports activities. However, some members have raised concerns about inadequate supervision of youth during peak hours and lack of facility maintenance.

Clean and well-maintained facilitieswelcoming and friendly staffvariety of classes and programs
Address
3503 W Locust St, Davenport, IA
Phone
(563) 323-5725
Vine Street Child Care INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Parents consistently praise Vine Street Child Care for exceptional staff care, strong child development outcomes, and a warm, welcoming environment. Multiple reviewers highlight the stability of staff, responsive management, and daily communication through photos and updates. Children are reported to enjoy attending and thrive academically and socially.

Caring and attentive staffconsistent staff retentionon-site owners
Address
2520 Vine St, West Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 327-0101
Step By Step Childcare And Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Step by Step Childcare has extremely polarized reviews. The majority of parents praise the caring staff, clean environment, and quality learning experiences, with many describing it as family-like. However, two negative reviews raise serious concerns about operational issues, hygiene standards, failed health inspections, and handling of behavioral incidents.

Caring and loving staffclean facilityfriendly environment
Address
2210 Ep True Pkwy, Ste A, West Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 401-1068
Lil Scholars Too
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Lil Scholars Too receives consistently positive feedback from parents, with all reviews rating the center 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring and attentive staff, academic focus, clean facility, and strong communication. Children reportedly feel happy, safe, and show measurable learning and developmental progress.

Caring and attentive staffstrong teacher-child relationshipsacademic focus
Address
1300 8th St Suite, #2, West Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 223-0008
Harvest Christian Daycare And Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Harvest Christian Daycare receives consistently high praise from parents, who describe it as a family-oriented facility with caring, dedicated staff. Parents highlight the nurturing environment, strong communication, educational activities, and Christian values integrated into daily care. Multiple parents indicate they would return or recommend the center to others.

Caring and dedicated staffnurturing environmentstrong parent-staff communication
Address
4070 22nd Ave Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA
Phone
(319) 390-4077
Little Angels Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3
Address
214 E Jefferson St, Iowa City, IA
Phone
(319) 341-9757
Little Angels Child Care Center LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3
Address
72 1st Street Sw, Swisher, IA
Phone
(319) 929-0894
Marshalltown Parks & Rec Summer Blast
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Marshalltown Parks & Rec Summer Blast receives mixed reviews. Parents praise the swimming lessons, friendly staff, and facility for events. However, some parents report poor customer service experiences and concerns about staff honesty.

Swimming lessons qualityfriendly and helpful staffnice receptionist
Address
20 W State St, Marshalltown, IA
Phone
(641) 754-5715
Elim Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3
Address
302 W Church St, Marshalltown, IA
Phone
(641) 752-8760
Spencer Family Ymca Dvergsten Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Spencer Family YMCA Dvergsten Center receives consistently positive feedback with a 4.3/5 rating. Parents and visitors praise the friendly, helpful staff, clean facilities, and affordable daycare options for working families. The center offers extensive amenities including pools, fitness equipment, basketball courts, and wellness classes.

friendly and helpful staffclean facilitiesaffordable daycare options
Address
1001 11th Ave West, Spencer, IA
Phone
(712) 262-3782
Formative Years Growing And Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Formative Years receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising caring teachers, individual attention, and enriching activities like field trips. However, a few parents reported serious concerns about supervision, safety issues with mixed age groups, facility size, and food quality.

caring and attentive teachersindividual attention to childrenfun field trips and activities
Address
4510 Todd Dr, Ames, IA
Phone
(515) 292-3609
Lil' Cubs
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Lil' Cubs receives consistently high praise from parents who value the caring staff, strong communication, and engaging activities. Parents report children are happy, well-cared-for, and show measurable growth and learning. The owner Amy and her team are frequently commended for going above and beyond to make families feel welcomed and supported.

Caring and professional staffexcellent communication with parentsengaging curriculum and activities
Address
1120 S G Ave, Nevada, IA
Phone
(515) 382-3333
Ymca Early Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Parents praise the Newton YMCA Early Learning Center's staff as compassionate and friendly, with strong emphasis on educational activities and childcare quality. The facility offers diverse programs and amenities that serve the whole community. Parents report their children love attending and recommend the center highly to others seeking childcare in the Newton area.

Compassionate and friendly staffeducational activitieschildren enjoy attending
Address
1701 S 8th Ave E, Newton, IA
Phone
(641) 792-7021
Kids Company INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3
Address
75 Fourth Street, Waukee, IA
Phone
(515) 987-4043
Jumping Monkeys Childcare INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3
Address
7 S 4th St, Council Bluffs, IA
Phone
(712) 256-2692
Children'S Imagination Station
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3
Address
1826 3rd Ave South, Denison, IA
Phone
(712) 263-7100
Triad Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

TRIAD Learning Center in Ankeny receives outstanding feedback from parents across its preschool, gymnastics, and enrichment programs. Parents consistently praise the caring, patient staff, inclusive environment, and positive impact on children's development—particularly for children with speech delays or autism. Families appreciate the affordability and variety of programs offered for all age groups.

Caring and patient staffinclusive environment for children with s
Address
2202 Se Creekview Dr, Ankeny, IA
Phone
(515) 963-0215
Shining Stars Child Development Ctr II
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3
Address
5400 Jennifer Dr, Pleasant Hill, IA
Phone
(515) 266-2264

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Frequently asked questions

There are 873 child daycare & preschools daycares across Iowa. Browse by city to find options near you.
All licensed daycare facilities in Iowa are listed in our directory. You can also verify a facility's license status through Iowa's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities must meet state standards for safety, health, staff-to-child ratios, and staff qualifications.
When comparing daycare options in Iowa, consider:
  • Licensing status and inspection history
  • Staff-to-child ratios (Iowa sets minimum requirements by age group)
  • Staff qualifications and training
  • Safety measures and facility cleanliness
  • Parent reviews and Google ratings
  • Curriculum and daily schedule
  • Location, hours, and cost
Daycare costs in Iowa vary by location, child's age, and facility type. Full-time center-based care typically ranges from $150 to $400+ per week. Infant care is generally more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Urban areas tend to have higher costs than rural areas.